Probation and parole officers arrested Rose Garcia, 29, and her boyfriend, Joe Martinez, 30, at the Sonic in Espanola on Wednesday. They said she had six grams of cocaine on her and two children, ages 1 and 2, in her car.

Investigators said they believed the Garcia and Martinez were dealing cocaine.

Officers who saw the couple drive up to the Sonic without ordering food said they knew something was up.

In 2008, the couple's 2-year-old son died from overdosing on cocaine. The couple pleaded guilty to child abuse but did not serve any time behind bars. Instead, they were sentenced to three years' probation, which they have violated several times, including charges for shoplifting and drugs.

The two children were in the custody of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department Thursday night.

"This happens all the time, whether it comes to our attention or not. Families continue to have children and continue to abuse substances," said CYFD Secretary Yolanda Berumen-Deines. "There's a whole generation of children out there that are impacted by this."

State officials said quick action by the probation officers likely prevented another tragedy.

"I believe that the probation officers did above and beyond what their job duties are, and they quite possibly saved two children's lives yesterday," Bobchak said.

Even though the couple pled guilty to the child abuse charge years ago, they haven't served even a day behind bars. The probation office said in light of what happened on Wednesday, they are asking the judge to sentence the pair to prison.

The probation officers often checked on the couple's home during the last few years and said they didn't find any problems. On Wednesday, the couple tested negative to having drugs in their system, which is why officials said they think the two were going to sell the drugs instead.